Well im not sure if i buy a puppy or dog! because i have 2 cats here as they are 8years old and kitten 8 months old im worried if a dog will attack 2 cats? is that easy or hard to look after?
2006-07-09 22:14:34 · 16 answers · asked by blondecheeky19 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
If you are away from home more then you are there, do not get a dog. it is not a fly by night thing. It is a Lifetime commitment.
First off, not all Kennels are Puppy Mills, if you buy a Dog from a kennel, make sure it is an a credible kennel that does not breed there females every time they come into heat, make sure instead that the females are bred only once a year or every 2 years and are AKC or UKC. Most will be Good Kennels to select from. BUT... Do Your Home work and find out as much as you can from what ever Kennel you decide to selct a puppy or Dog from. Make sure it is the right breed for you and your life style. Pet shops usually do sell puppy mill Puppies, and CKC (Continental Kennel Club) is usually Puppy Millers with CKC registered Puppies. Avoid those.
Also as to your Cats, Don't get a Puppy, The Cats can seriously injure the Puppy by scratching its eyes. Find a Dog that has been raised around cats, you will have better luck. And DO Introduce slowly.
2006-07-09 22:45:26 · answer #1 · answered by fourpawsg 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You may be able to adopt a dog that already likes cats - check with your local shelter. Raising a puppy is hard work. If you're not sure, then you shouldn't.
Even "free" dogs cost money to take care of. If the dog isn't properly trained, it can chew up your house and your stuff. If it's not housebroken, it can ruin your floors and your furniture. How "free" is a dog that does $1000 in damage to your house? Many "free" dogs turn out to be sick - how "free" is a dog that costs you $800 at the vet because he has Parvo or distemper or heartworm?
A good pup can easily cost $1000 or more. All dogs require a lot of time, energy and money to take care of properly. A crate, books and supplies can cost up to $300. Puppy shots are $200, then $100 a year for boosters. Annual Heartworm test and preventative medication $100. Professional trainer $600 and up. Going on vacation? Boarding kennel $40/day. Spaying? $250.
Dogs are a lot more work than cats and they love to eat cat poo out of the litter box. They may chase the cats around all day and make them miserable. Dogs have to be walked 4 times a day, even if it's raining or icy out. Dogs can bark all day and piss off your neighbors.
BEFORE you get any dog you should read some great books on training. (Try not to pick books randomly - there are a lot of bad books out there also!) These are some of my favorites and you can get them on Amazon.com
What All Good Dogs Should Know – Volhard http://www.volhard.com/
Good Owners, Great Dogs - Brian Kilcommins
Dog Tricks : Eighty-Eight Challenging Activities for Your Dog from World-Class Trainers by Haggerty and Benjamin
Don't Shoot the Dog - Pryor
Training Your Dog: The Step by Step Method - Volhard
Dog Problems - Benjamin
Cesar's Way - Cesar Millan
Also, watch the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Cesar Millan is the best trainer I've ever seen on TV.
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/
2006-07-10 08:07:30 · answer #2 · answered by Danger, Will Robinson! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
id be more worried about your 8yr old cat attacking the dog.
if you not sure about a dog...then you need to research it better. when you are better prepared in knowing what responsibilities having a dog is, then you will know if you should have a dog or not.
first off PLEASE DO NOT BUY a dog at a pet store or kennel! they are puppies from puppy mills!!!!
click the link to view what that is.
http://www.prisonersofgreed.org/Commercial-kennel-facts.html
there are great shelters out there that have wonderful dogs available. they are already spayed/neutered, shots done and most of them are temperament tested so you will know if the dog will be good with cats. there are also rescue groups that rescue all different kinds of breeds of dogs.
next id learn about how to take care of a dog..and which breed is right for you. for instance you don't want to get a jack russell terrier if you are a laid back person. they are hyper and LOVE LOVE LOVE to dig, play, fetch, etc.
or if you are active...you don't want a basset hound. they are slower dogs, and very stubborn...more like a 2yr old child than a dog! they will do what they want when they want.
once you know that...call your local SPCA or Humane Society and ask them to help you pick out the perfect pet for your lifestyle.
good luck!
2006-07-09 22:26:57 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on the dogs temperament. I have an Alaska Malamute that loves my cats. I had the dog first and let the cats and dog get used to each other. My dog would never hurt a cat, but has killed many mink and mice getting too close. A puppy would be a better choice, because the cats can defend themselves. But a older dog raised around cats would be a good choice also. Like I said, it depends on the dog.
2006-07-09 22:22:24 · answer #4 · answered by boz25 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all,buy a dog.If you buy a puppy it's usually not trained.I also have a friend that takes care of about 3 dogs,2 cats and 6 fish!
2006-07-10 00:36:53 · answer #5 · answered by djhguam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could buy a dog, as long as you know it's background. Like does it get along with other pets, such as cats or kittens. A puppy, would mean you constantly would have to make sure, that your cat won't keep attacking the puppy.
2006-07-09 22:28:40 · answer #6 · answered by sqishieears 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had my cat 1rst then got 2 dogs and they all luv each other. Just introduce the dog in a nice way. Dont force the dog on them....Should be okay!! You might want to take a bit of time for the big cat to get used to the kitty first though then get the dog....Good luck!!!!....The dog will not attack the cats if the dog is a pup....just play with them.
2006-07-10 03:21:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a puppy, that way he/ she will grow up with the cats and will learn to not harm them. But i strongly suggest that you get a dog from a shelter or animal rescue, not from a breeder. There are too many homeless dogs at shelters and rescues that need good homes.
2006-07-09 22:28:55 · answer #8 · answered by dogluver8906 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy a pup that's no so aggressive such as a beagle or a Labrador maybe, and try and let the pup grow with the kittens so it learns to play with the cats:)
2006-07-09 22:28:47 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Learning how to train your dog will improve your life and hers, enhance the bond between you, and ensure her safety and it can be a lot of fun. Dogs are usually eager to learn, and the key to success is good communication. Your dog needs to understand how you’d like her to behave and why it’s in her best interest to comply with your wishes. Check here to learn how to train your dog properly https://tr.im/62892
2015-01-27 22:13:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋